Texas Tech University

Engineering the Future: Kevin Leal's Journey from Combat to Innovation

Lacy Oliver

December 5, 2023

kevinleal

Follow Kevin Leal's inspiring journey from military service to mechanical engineering excellence and his remarkable achievements, his unwavering commitment to shaping a brighter, and a more innovative future.

Kevin Leal, on the cusp of graduating from Edward E. Whitacare Jr. College of Engineering with a Bachelor's in Science in Mechanical Engineering, has a unique journey that propelled him towards this significant achievement. His decision to pursue this major was inspired by his experience serving in the military as a combat infantryman, where he encountered an injury during deployment in 2011 that led to the need for a complete knee replacement. Determined to find innovative solutions, Kevin envisioned leveraging his engineering expertise to develop robotic prosthetics not only for his own recovery but also to aid others facing similar challenges.

His aspiration to become a Texas Tech alumni fueled his passion for engineering, initially sparked by a profound curiosity about the inner workings of the world. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and a deep understanding of the mechanisms governing our surroundings further motivated him on this path.

Post-graduation, Kevin is set to embark on his dream career at Lockheed Martin, contributing to the F-35 program. This milestone marks the realization of his aspirations and dedication. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Kevin on this remarkable achievement and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.